A9 drug-driver is banned and fined
A driver spotted driving north on the Kessock Bridge swerving between two lanes in the early hours of the morning was stopped by police.
A breath test for alcohol on Glen Banner from Heywood in Manchester proved negative.
But he was unsteady on his feet and a blood sample was taken and showed evidence of diazepam and other medication.
Banner, (48), admitted driving while unfit through drink or drugs on the A9 on August 20, last year.
Depute fiscal Stewart Maciver said Banner’s vehicle was seen about 1.45am swerving between two lanes and it was being driven at speeds of between 40mph and 70mph.
He said Banner seemed confused and disorientated as to where he was when he got out of his vehicle after being stopped.
After the breath test proved negative police officers took the view he was still under the influence of something and a blood sample was later taken.
Aileen Macinnes defending said Banner had no similar previous offences. He had been taken prescribed diazepam and another unprescribed medicine.
"The combination of the two rendered him in a state he shouldn’t have been driving," she said.
Sheriff Andrew Miller imposed a fine of £300 at Dingwall Sheriff Court and banned Banner from driving for a year.
